The Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Double Standards

“Concrete evidence? Did you even investigate? All you saw was the surface! Mr. Goodridge, I beg you, stop making accusations based on half–truths!”

Samuel faltered. His confidence wavered slightly as he hesitated before responding. “When have I ever wronged you?”

Kaylee’s laugh was hollow. “No? Then let’s talk about that night at the bar. When Waverly accused me of pushing her downE the stairs, you never brought it up again. Didn’t you investigate and find out I was falsely accused? Should we just pretend that never happened?”

Samuel’s

‘s jaw tightened. “That incident… you were innocent. Mindy set you up and even deleted the security footage. Waverly was also a victim–she misidentified you by mistake. But in the end, I didn’t hold you accountable. It’s in the past now, there’s no need to dwell on it.”

Raylee’s laugh carried a trace of pain. “So, when I am wronged, there’s no need for an apology or compensation? Just a simple “I won’t hold you responsible‘ is supposed to be enough?”

Her words struck him silent. She studied his face, her expression filled with disappointment. Though he felt a pang of guilt “for what happened, he just couldn’t bring himself to apologize.

Samuel was a hypocrite. He never cared about truth or fairness. When he was at fault, he never apologized. But if she made even the smallest mistake, he would magnify it endlessly, as if she were beyond redemption.

She truly wondered sometimes–was he regressing with age? His reasoning skills seemed no better than a single–celled organism’s.

As she turned to leave, Samuel moved to block her path. “We’re not done here. You let Jeremiah snatch the pink diamond–I won’t just let that slide! Waverly had her eyes on that for a long time. I came to the auction tonight specifically for the pink diamond. You have to give it up!”

Raylee watched him throw his tantrum, acting so ridiculously that she had the sudden urge to smack him so hard he’d stick to the wall and never come off.

But she couldn’t even be bothered to argue. Instead, she simply stepped aside and walked away.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, a swimming pool stretched out before her. As she glanced into its dark, inky depths, unpleasant memories surged to the surface. A wave of fear hit her, making her pick up her pace, eager to leave as quickly as possible.

But Samuel wasn’t about to let her go. He cut her off at the poolside, hh tone commanding. “I’ll give you fifty million–hand over the pink diamond!”

“I’d advise you to know when to stop,” he warned coldly. “Fifty million is an astronomical sum–more than you could ever dream of earning in your lifetime. Don’t be insatiably greedy!”

Raylee shot him a chilling look. “I’ve already told you, the pink diamond isn’t mine. If you want to negotiate, go talk to Jeremiah. Don’t come here trying to put me in a tough spot!”

“Don’t use Jeremiah as an excuse to pacify me. I’ll ask you one last time–are you going to give it up or not?” Samuel growled through clenched teeth.

They stood there at an impasse, with Samuel blocking her path, leaving her no way to escape.

Just then, Waverly stepped forward and clutched Samuel’s arm, her voice pitiful as she pleaded, “Samuel, please don’t make things difficult for Raylee. If she’s unwilling to part with it, that just means she really cherishes the pink diamond.”

love me,

and I any bad blood

“don’t want it anymore, I swear I don’t. Please, Samuel, stop fighting with Raylee over this! I know you understand why you’re doing this,” she murmured, her voice laced with emotion. “I don’t want there to be between you two. I just want you to be happy.”

“Waverly, you’re just too kindhearted. And because of that, people take advantage of you. That’s why she dares to bully you again and again!” Samuel snapped, his gaze locking onto Raylee with pure hostility.

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203 PM – †

Chapter 32 Double Standards.

Raylee despised Waverly’s soft, innocent act, but Samuel’s twisted way of thinking was even more nauseating.

Finished

Samuel’s expression darkened as he continued, “Jeremiah even bought other pieces of jewelry for you, so why are you so fixated on this pink diamond?*

“I get it now,” he accused, his voice full of disdain. “You’re refusing to give it up on purpose because you know how much Waverly loves it! Why do you have to treat Waverly so unfairly? She suffered for eighteen years in your place. Isn’t that enough?”